Assam expands cancer care network to improve treatment access

Assam is expanding its cancer treatment infrastructure through a three-tier cancer care network designed to provide advanced and affordable healthcare closer to patients across the state. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the initiative aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances to major cities outside the Northeast for specialized diagnosis and treatment.

The distributed system focuses on an integrated approach covering prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This model is intended to serve both urban and rural populations. The Kokrajhar Cancer Care Centre was highlighted as a key example of this expansion, specifically benefiting patients in western Assam and surrounding areas.

Developed in partnership with Tata Trusts, the state’s cancer care grid seeks to address the significant burden of cancer cases in Assam and the wider Northeast region by making services more accessible and compassionate for patients and their attendants.